Kentucky Eviction Notice Overview
Kentucky is a true 7-day notice state. Under KRS 383.660(2), landlords must give tenants a 7-day notice for non-payment of rent before filing an eviction action. If the tenant pays the full amount within 7 days, the eviction cannot proceed. This statute is part of the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) as adopted by Kentucky.
Kentucky's residential landlord-tenant law is codified in KRS Chapter 383, which adopted the URLTA framework. The act applies statewide to all residential rentals. Kentucky has 120 counties — the third-most of any state. Eviction cases are filed in District Court for the county where the property is located. Jefferson County (Louisville) and Fayette County (Lexington) handle the highest volume of eviction filings.
7 Days
Notice period
$60 - $90
Filing fee
KRS Ch. 383
Governing law
District
Court level
KRS 383.660 Legal Framework
Kentucky Is a True 7-Day Notice State
KRS 383.660(2) requires a 7-day notice for non-payment of rent. The tenant has the right to cure by paying the full amount within 7 days. For material lease violations, KRS 383.660(1) also requires a 14-day notice to cure. Kentucky is one of the states where the 7-day notice is the actual statutory standard for non-payment evictions.
Kentucky Notice Periods at a Glance
- 7-Day Notice — Non-Payment (KRS 383.660(2)): Tenant has 7 days to pay all rent owed in full
- 14-Day Notice — Lease Violations (KRS 383.660(1)): Tenant has 14 days to cure a material noncompliance
- 14-Day Unconditional — Repeat Violations: If same violation recurs within 6 months, 14-day unconditional quit
- 30-Day Notice — Month-to-Month (KRS 383.695): Either party must give 30 days notice to terminate
Kentucky Notice Requirements
Kentucky courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 7 days for non-payment as required by Kentucky law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Kentucky
Kentucky law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver to the tenant in person. Most reliable method; starts the 7-day period immediately.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail to the tenant's last known address. Provides proof of delivery via return receipt.
Posting and Mailing
Post conspicuously on the premises and mail a copy by first-class mail if tenant cannot be found.
Document Service
Prepare a certificate of service with date, time, and method. Kentucky District Courts require proof of service with the eviction filing.
Kentucky Eviction Timeline
The Kentucky eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
Serve 7-day notice for non-payment per KRS 383.660(2)
If tenant has not paid, file forcible detainer complaint in District Court
Court serves tenant with summons; hearing set within 7-14 days
Hearing held; if landlord prevails, judgment of possession entered
Writ of possession issued; sheriff enforces removal
Uncontested Kentucky evictions typically take 4-6 weeks. Contested cases take 6-12 weeks. Jefferson County (Louisville) and Fayette County (Lexington) may have longer wait times. Kentucky courts can grant continuances that extend timelines.
Kentucky Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in Kentucky District Court. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $60 - $90 |
| Sheriff Service of Process | $25 - $50 |
| Writ of Possession | $25 - $60 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $500 - $2,000 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $150 - $250 |
Sample Kentucky Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Kentucky-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of KRS 383.660.
7-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF KENTUCKY
Pursuant to KRS 383.660(2)
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Kentucky Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You have SEVEN (7) DAYS from service to pay $[Amount] in full or vacate the premises. Failure to do so will result in the filing of a forcible detainer action.
KENTUCKY COMPLIANCE NOTE
Kentucky requires a 7-day notice for non-payment of rent under KRS 383.660(2). This is the correct statutory notice period for Kentucky. The tenant has the right to cure by paying the full amount owed within 7 days.